A new Health Protection Scheme has been announced in the 2016-17 Budget by the Finance and Corporate Affairs minister. The minister observed that a serious sickness in a person can cause extreme financial stress on the poor and economically weaker sections disrupting their economic security. The new scheme is designed to assist such families and it provides a health cover of up to Rs.100000 per family. The scheme also includes an extra top-up package of Rs.30000 for senior citizens (60 years plus) from this category.